Residents 'upset' over landfill site controlled burn

Smoke from a fire at a landfill site that is being managed using controlled burning has left nearby residents "stressed and upset".

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said it was first called to the fire at Appleford Sidings, in Sutton Courtenay, near Didcot, on 14 September.

A statement issued by the organisations involved in the tackling the blaze said the "safest and most appropriate way" to manage the fire was with controlled burning.

But people living nearby say smoke and ash from the burning has made its way into their homes, with some claiming to have developed coughs and headaches as a result.

"We've been bothered by the smoke for a week-and-a-half," Mary Hancock said.

"I've had a sore throat for days and I think it's because of the smoke."

Victoria Shepard, who also lives locally, said the controlled burning had been like "having a giant bonfire that's been blowing into your garden and then sort of through the home".

Despite her children "having the usual back-to-school colds," she said these "haven't really cleared up because of the poor air quality".

Former local GP Angela Jones argued that "leaving" nearby residents with the "long-term slow burn as a solution to this problem really isn't acceptable".

"I know there are people in the village who have respiratory problems and who are troubled and even people without respiratory problems are getting burning eyes and sore throats and so on."

"People are really getting stressed now and upset, but unfortunately there are also long-term effects... it's a worry for everybody," she said.

In response to the concerns raised by residents in Sutton Courtney, the Environment Agency, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and FCC Environment- which owns the landfill site - issued a joint statement.

"A controlled burn represented the safest and most appropriate way to manage the fire due to the size, location and nature of the material involved," the bodies said.

"Some residents may continue to notice smoke or odour from time to time, particularly depending on weather conditions and wind direction."

It said the organisations "recognise the impact" the smoke could have on local residents and "understand the concerns that prolonged incidents can cause".

"While smoke remains visible in the area, avoid prolonged exposure where possible and keep windows and doors closed if smoke is affecting your immediate location," they added.